On January 22, 2012 the U.S. Postal Service® implemented a postage rate increase for all mail classes including First Class Mail®, Priority Mail and Express Mail along with many special services.

Summary of the 2012 USPS postage rate increase:First Class Letters (1 oz.) will increase by one cent to $0.45 from $0.44. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.20 (no change)First Class Flats (1 oz.) will increase by two cents to $0.90 from $0.88. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.20 (no change)Postcard rates will increase by three cents to $0.32 from $0.29Priority Mail retail rates will increase by an average of 3.2% and will start at $5.20 (previously at $5.10)Express Mail retail rates will increase by an average of 4.4% and will start at $12.95 (previously at $12.85)Parcel Post rates will start at $5.20 (previously at $5.10)Media Mail rates will start at $2.47 (previously at $2.41)New Product! Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C is being introduced with a 25 pound maximum weight limit. Prices start at $14.44New Product! Express Mail Flat Rate Box is being introduced at $39.95 with a 70 pound maximum weight limit

Now, before you freak out, just remember the fact you can send a card to anyone in the entire United States for only .45 is still one hell of a deal. I mean, really, you have to spend nearly twice that on a candy bar that is gone in less than 5 minutes. I don't know about you but I have a whole box of cards that people have sent me over the years that really touched me. I can't say the same for candy.